With the blockbuster deal that sent Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers through, the Minnesota Timberwolves still have to deal with the expiring contract of starting point guard Ricky Rubio.

Rubio's expiring rookie contract could be extended and both camps are undergoing negotiations.

Like Us on Facebook

Timberwolves general manager Milt Newton said he remains optimistic that the two sides can come to agreement soon as they did when they signed Kevin Martin when his contract expired.

"We're going to do the best thing for the organization, and if we can get something done sooner, great. If not, we're not necessarily in a rush," Newton said.

If Rubio becomes a restricted free agent, the Wolves could match any offer given to him, but the team doesn't seem to be willing to offer Rubio a maximum contract.

Restricted free agency may not look like a good way for negotiating major deals as seen in the Eric Bledsoe-Phoenix Suns situation. Bledsoe, who believes he is worth a maximum contract, never got any offer from another teams as they assume that the Phoenix Suns are ready to match any offer.

Without a done deal as early as possible, the Timberwolves could possibly have another precarious situation on their hands if Rubio reaches free agency. His agent Dan Fegan was able to get dynamic swingman Chandler Parsons a decent payday with Dallas Mavericks, one his old team the Houston Rockets found impossible to match.

The exact numbers in the proposed four-year contract extension initially offered to Rubio is still under negotiation. Rubio averaged 9.5 points, 8.6 assists and 2.3 steals last season making him one of the league's best passers as well as being a decent defender.

There is no indication of a close deal so far as the Timberwolves open their training camp on Sept. 30.

Tags NBA news, NBA rumors, Ricky Rubio, Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves, minnesota, Timberwolves, Free Agency, NBA Free Agency, Free Agent, contract